As the Volleyball Season Winds Down

I took on the task of coaching 2 club volleyball teams this season. I'm pretty worn out (after all I'm not 20 anymore!), but I wouldn't have it any other way. My daughter's U10 team just had their last tournament and all in all it was a successful season. There were 10 8-10 year olds with a variety of skill and interest levels. Some were extremely competitive by nature, and others were happy just to be out there learning some new cheers, never aware whose ball it was or who won. The last day of practice I told them I was going to be democratic and asked them if they knew what that meant. On little girl said, "You're going to be nice?." Right out of an Art Linkletter show! (Now I'm really dating myself.) If they learn the basics of passing and serving and still want to play more volleyball at the end of the season I say it was a success.
We have one more tournament for my older daughter's U14 team. The competition is stiffer and the intensity is stronger, but they are still little girls who want to have fun playing the game. I'm tougher on myself as a coach at this level because I expect more of the players. I feel more pressure for the girls to learn and improve. There is still a variety of competitive personalities at this level. Some of the players like to be sillier with their friends and others are really trying to get better and meet the challenges of an advanced level. I have a little trouble with the silliness at this level, but I have to step back and remember that many of my players are only 12 years old. I also have to remind myself that everyone learns at a different rate and as hard as I try to teach, some may never learn my wonderful lessons. I must see the bigger picture. Are they becoming positive teammates, something they can apply throughout their lives? Are they learning to cope with the extreme highs and lows experienced in competition? Are they having a fun experience with the game of volleyball and feeling good about themselves? I need to judge their success more on these variables than on the win loss record. I hope you have all had successful seasons.